Match the following statements related to ecology; List 1 (System description) with those in List 2 (Name of system) and select the best answer using the codes. List 1 List 2 1. Physical, chemical and biological factors that the species needs in order to live, and reproduce exist A. Climax ecosystem 2. Presence of rich and unique biological diversity found in an ecotone. B. Ecological niche 3. Stage in the evolution of an ecosystem at which all the species are in dynamic equilibrium among themselves and with the environment C. Biome 4. Formation of plants and animals that have common characteristics due to similar climate and can be found over a range of continents. D. Edge effect
1 - B, 2 - D, 3 - A, 4 - C
This question requires matching descriptions of ecological concepts with their corresponding terms. Let's break down each statement to understand the connections.
Statement 1 describes the physical, chemical, and biological factors that a species needs to survive and reproduce. This comprehensive set of requirements and the role a species plays within its environment is known as its Ecological niche.
Statement 2 discusses the increased biological diversity often found at the boundary between two different ecosystems, called an ecotone. This phenomenon, where species from both ecosystems and unique edge-dwelling species coexist, is termed the Edge effect.
Statement 3 refers to a stage in an ecosystem's development where the species composition is stable and in dynamic equilibrium with the surrounding environment. This stable, mature stage is called a Climax ecosystem.
Statement 4 describes large-scale ecological areas characterized by specific climate conditions and the distinct plant and animal communities adapted to them, often found across continents. These are known as Biomes.
Here is a summary of the correct matches:
| List 1 Statement | List 2 Term |
| 1. Physical, chemical and biological factors that the species needs in order to live, and reproduce exist | B. Ecological niche |
| 2. Presence of rich and unique biological diversity found in an ecotone. | D. Edge effect |
| 3. Stage in the evolution of an ecosystem at which all the species are in dynamic equilibrium among themselves and with the environment | A. Climax ecosystem |
| 4. Formation of plants and animals that have common characteristics due to similar climate and can be found over a range of continents. | C. Biome |
Based on the accurate matching of each statement from List 1 to the terms in List 2, the correct combination is 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, and 4-C. This corresponds to the first option provided.
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 seeks to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Which of the following statements is correct about CITES?
1. CITES is an agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in the specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
2. Under CITES, plant and animal specimens are classified into five categories based on the threat to their extinction.
3. The Convention requires countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens through permits.
4. It also seeks to regulate the possession of live animal specimens.
For a clear night and with windspeeds < 3 m/s, the atmosphere is